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Protection And Control Engineer Jobs in California

Kaav Inc

Protection and Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Protection and Control Engineer Location: San Ramon, CA (Onsite) Experience: 9-15 years Job Summary: Our P&C Engineers independently produce and understand the process to complete P&C packages ...

IntelliPro Group Inc.

Control engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Control engineer Position Type: Full time Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA Salary Range: $150,000 ... legally protected group status. Moreover, our Inclusivity Commitment emphasizes embracing ...

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Protection And Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$66.6K

$116.5K

$181.6K

How much do protection and control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection and control engineer in California is $116,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Protection and Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection and Control Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards, relay coordination software (like SEL, GE, or ABB), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set outstanding engineers apart in this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical power systems in utility and industrial environments.

How does a Protection and Control Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a power system project?

Protection and Control Engineers work closely with various teams such as design, commissioning, operations, and maintenance throughout a project. They coordinate with design teams to ensure protection schemes align with system requirements, communicate with field engineers during installation and commissioning to address technical challenges, and collaborate with operations staff to resolve protection issues post-deployment. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers often bridge the gap between theoretical design and practical implementation.

What are Protection and Control Engineers?

Protection and Control Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power grids and equipment from faults and failures. They develop relaying schemes, coordinate protection devices, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of substations and transmission lines. Their work helps prevent equipment damage, minimize power outages, and maintain the safety of utility workers and the public. Protection and Control Engineers often use advanced software tools for system analysis and relay settings, and they play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.

What is the difference between Protection And Control Engineer vs Relay Technician?

AspectProtection And Control EngineerRelay Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, relevant certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized relay training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and commissioning of protection systems in substations and power plantsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of relays on-site
Industry UsageUsed by utilities, power generation companies, and industrial plantsPrimarily employed by utilities and maintenance contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilities of protection engineersTechnical repair and maintenance of relays and protection devices

Protection And Control Engineers focus on designing, testing, and overseeing protection systems in power networks, requiring higher-level engineering credentials. Relay Technicians handle installation and maintenance of relays, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in power systems but differ in scope, responsibilities, and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California? For Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Control Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Protection And Control Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Protection And Control Engineer job openings:
Protection And Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection And Control Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,498 per year, or $56 per hour.

Protection & Control Engineer/Technician Field Work Exp

Talent Search PRO

Fresno, CA

$100K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Protection & Control Engineer/Technician – Field Testing & Commissioning
Travel-Heavy Field Role – Up to 80%

Join a leading team supporting high-voltage substation projects across transmission, distribution, and generation environments. We’re looking for Protection & Control Field Testing Engineers at all experience levels to perform hands-on testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and documentation of critical P&C systems. Candidates should expect five 10-hour workdays per week.

What You’ll Do:

  • Test and commission P&C systems on high-voltage substations (15 kV – 500 kV)

  • Perform protective relay testing (SEL, GE, Basler, Beckwith) with Omicron or Doble test sets

  • Execute CT/PT verification, relay calibration, control scheme testing, and dynamic/static testing

  • Interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and logic diagrams; produce detailed field reports

  • Support Project Leads/Field Supervisors and manage clerical/project documentation

What You Bring:

  • 5+ years in substation field testing (breakers, transformers, instrument transformers, P&C systems)

  • Proficiency with relay families: SEL-311L, SEL-387, SEL-487, SEL-421, SEL-351S, GE L90/D60, etc.

  • Experience with NETA, IEEE, NFPA, and related standards

  • Knowledge of test software: ProTesT, Protection Suite, ENOSERV RTS, Omicron Test Universe, AcSELerator Quickset

  • Ability to travel extensively (up to 80%) and lift 50+ lbs

Preferred:

  • Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering/Electrical Technology

  • Electromechanical relay testing and high-voltage commissioning experience (CTs, CCVTs, PLC/SCADA, DC systems)

  • IEC 61850 testing and commissioning experience

Competitive pay and growth opportunities for skilled P&C engineers. Step into a role where every test, every relay, and every report matters.